I've had an on and off relationship with exercise since Charlotte and Annabelle were born. The first six months were purely about survival, and while I would try to get a run in every now and again, I was probably only averaging one 2-3 mile "run" every couple of weeks.
Then, two things happened that helped ignite the endorphin fueled fire under me to work out more regularly. 1) We bought a double BOB jogging stroller, drastically reducing the number of excuses I could make about why I was opting to catch up on my Hulu queue instead of going for a run. 2) My sister came to stay for three months and watched the girls for me a few times a week so that I could go to some classes at the base on gym. I found a barre/pilates fusion class that I really enjoyed and also got hooked on cardio kickboxing. Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and that includes my sister's visit. There's no childcare at the gym, because let's face it, this is the military, so bare minimum is the best we can expect when it comes to family support, so I stopped going to classes on base and started focusing on running.
I started going for 3-4 mile runs 3 or 4 times a week, and was geting back to the point where I really enjoyed them again. It was hard to start back at the very beginning of my training, remembering how just a couple of years ago I ran a 10K and a half marathon. But I tried to be patient with myself and stick with my trusty Couch to 5K program and before I knew it, I had gotten my pace down from a 13ish minute mile to an 11ish minute mile. Not going to qualify in the Olympic trials, but I've never been a speedy runner--9 minute miles are a sprint for me--so I was pretty proud of myself.
Then it happened. Fall in Germany. Early fall was actually pretty beautiful and temperate, perfect for running. But the drear and rain, it is upon us. In the past couple of weeks, I've only managed to run twice, and judging by The Weather Channel app, I won't be getting another chance for a run this week. I don't so much mind running in the cold, but in the cold rain? Nope. Not gonna happen.
A month ago, I was actually contemplating registering for the Paris half marathon, but it's in April. I just don't know if I'll be able to force myself to train in weather like we had last year from November through April. I hate this season so, so much. I love a lot of things about living in Germany, but I would love it a lot more if we could migrate to Australia for the next few months.
I am registered for a 5k with Colby and my sis while we're in Louisiana, and I think it will be fun, though I doubt I'll be leading the charge. I'm hoping that after the past few weeks of constant rain, we'll get a little break from the precipitation and I'll be able to hit the pavement again. I've also been wanting to find someone to come watch the girls a few times a week so I can get back to the gym, so that's a goal for after the holidays.
I really do feel like my mood is so much better when I'm not just sitting on my duff all day, but man, it's tough to be inspired to do anything when it looks like the beginning of a black and white horror film outside, complete with lashing rain and villagers with pitchforks. It's a vicious cycle. Ugh. I think it's time to break out the vitamin D pills.
Comments